Speeding Ticket for Going 100+ mph Dismissed Entirely
Buying your first car or motorcycle is always a special feeling! When you get on the seat and rev the engine, it feels like you’re on top of the world.
However, it’s the same excitement that gets you booked! Why so? Because a majority of us have the urge to test our own vehicles to their limits, which starts with reaching the top speed. And more often than not, that’s what gets us into trouble!
A few days ago, we at Logue Law Group received a call from a previous client and learned that he had been charged with a speeding ticket. Apparently, he was driving at 100+ mph on the I-76 freeway, and got caught red-handed by the patrolling cops a few moments later! Mr. Weaver had no intentions to linger this charge, and therefore, called our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers for the best advice.
Rule of the Roads in Pennsylvania
Before we get into the humdrum of the case, let’s just understand some basic road rules in Pennsylvania.
So, your maximum speed limits depend on the type of road that you’re on-
- For residential and school areas: 25 mph (during the busy, restricted hours)
- For urban districts: 35 mph
- For rural roads and two-lane freeways: 55 mph
- For interstate freeways: 65/ 70 mph
That being said, speeding is considered a minor traffic infraction. However, if you exceed speed limits by a significant amount, like 30mph+, the cops might charge you with reckless driving, which is a more serious offense, and includes stiffer penalties, along with license suspension and potential imprisonment!
What Was our Client Charged With?
Fortunately, Mr. Weaver decided to take his newly purchased car out on the I-76 freeway to test its top speed! And like every first-time owner, he got a little too excited and clocked 105 mph.
Now, the maximum speed limit out on the I-76 freeway is 70 mph. So, technically speaking, the cops had enough reason to charge our client with reckless driving. However, since Mr. Weaver did not go out of control and didn’t tailgate or swerve, the cops charged him with a speeding ticket. And this gave our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers additional leverage!
How did we address the Case?
As per the charges levied, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers decided to appeal for a complete dismissal. However, the evidence submitted by the cops highlighted the fact that Mr. Weaver exceeded the maximum speed limits by 30+ mph. So, the prosecution was cynical to rule in our favor.
But our client’s strong civic sense, combined with our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers’ negotiating skills, gave this case a major turnaround! We argued that it wasn’t the busiest hours when our client chose to speed on the freeway. On top of that, he also didn’t cause trouble for any other vehicle and maintained his lane correctly.
Also, owing to the fact that this was the first offense of our client, the prosecution, therefore, had no other option but to dismiss the case and throw out the charges entirely! This meant that Mr. Weaver didn’t have to pay fines, and also did not receive any points on his license.
Our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyers at Logue Law Group firmly believe that every person deserves a second chance. So, if you’ve been charged with speeding or reckless driving, don’t just blame your fate! Instead, call us at 844.PITT.DUI and talk to our experts to figure out a way to solve the issue.